Apparatus for loading and unloading cans with conveyer mechanism in conjunction with a hydraulic hoist and a crate having false bottoms



May 9, 1950 c. T. BussE 2,506,661

APPARATUS FOR LOADING. AND uNLoADING cANs WITH coNvEYER MECHANISM IN CONJUNCTION WITH A HYDRAULIC HoIsT ANDA CRATE HAVING FALSE .Bo'rToMs Filed April 9, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 May 9, 1950 c. T. BUssE 2,506,661

APPARATUS FDR LOADING AND uNLoADING cANs WITH coNvETER MEcHANIsM IN coNJUNcTIoN wITH A HYDRAULIC HoIsT AND A CRATE HAVING FALSE BoTToNs 'Filed v April 9, 194s 4 Sheets-Sheet v2 Mum.

Inventor NN 0N O .v O O O O O f, nw .o oo v A Xb@ o JD. l O O v0 O O v O O O O o o N I AN mN NN n h N 'ur'zs 7.- Baz/sse By Zag@ and H0133@ WW Hmm May A9, 1950 c. T. Busse APPARATUS FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING CANS WITH CONVEYER MECHANISM IN CONJUNCTION WITH A HYDRAULIC HOIST AND A CRATE HAVING FALSE BOTTOMS Filed April 9, 194s Inventor May 9, 1950 Filed April 9, 1943 c. T. BussE 2,506,661 APPARATUS F'OR LOADING AND UNLOADING CANS WITH CONVEYER MECHANISM IN CONJUNCTION WITH A HYDRAULIC HOIST AND A CRATE HAVING FALSE BOTTOMS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Q (Y) Inventar l@ Caf/refais TA//Sse Iatented May 9, 1950' UNITI-:D y STATES PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING CAN S WITH CONVEYER MECHANISM IN CONJUNCTION WITH A HYDRAULIC HOIS'I AND A CRATE HAVING FALSE BOTTOMS Curtis T. Busse, Randolph, Wis.

Application April 9, 1943,'Serial No. A482,434

'Claims. (Cl. 226-16) The present invention relates generally to new and useful improvements i'n cannery machinery or equipment, and has for its primary object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a novel apparatus for facilitating the loading of canned goods into a retort crate or basket, or for loading said canned goods directly into the retort and for raising the hot cans in the crate or basket for discharger over the edge thereof fol lowing processing.

Another very important object of the invention is to provide, in an apparatus of the aforementioned character comprising a conveyer and a crate 4or basket for receiving the filled cans therefrom, -unique means for controlling the iiow or discharge of said cans from said conveyer.

Still another important object of the invention is to provide a canned goods handling apparatus of the character set forth which includes novel means for supporting the bottom of the retort crate or basket for vertical adjustment to facilitate the loading thereof in successive layers from the conveyer.

A still further important object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for handling canned goods which includes a crate or basket of unique construction for use in conjunction with the supporting means.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a loading apparatus of the character set forth which will be comparatively simple in construction, strong, durable, highly eilicient and reliable in operation, compact, and which may be manufactured and installed at low cost.

All of the foregoing and still further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specication, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein like characters of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of an ratus constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the lower portion of the hydraulic lift cylinder broken away in section.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the invention.

sition. 'I'he pedal I6 is engageable beneath a .appe- Figure 6 is a view in horizontal section, taken substantially on the line 6-6 of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a view in side elevation, showing the apparatus installed for loading the cans directly into a cooking retort, the latter being illustrated in vertical section.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, it will be seen that reference numeral I designates generally a conveyer for the illled cans 2. The conveyer I comprises side rails 3 and spaced, parallel bottom rails 4 between which an endless chain 5 is operable. The endless chain 5 is trained around sprocket wheels 6 which are provided therefor. 'I'he chain 5 constitutes means for moving the cans 2 along the bottom rails 4 of the conveyer.

Mounted longitudinally between the rails 4 on the discharge end portion of the conveyer I is a shoe 1 over which the chain 5 is slidable. A shaft 8 is journaled transversely on the rails 4 beneath the shoe 1. Fixed on the shaft 8 is a cam 9 which is engaged beneath the shoe 'l for lowering and subsequently raising same. Thus, this portion of the chain 5 may be lowered out of engagement with the cans 2 for permitting said cans to rest entirely on the rails 4. Also fixed on the shaft I, on one side of the conveyer I, is an operating arm I0.

In the embodiment shown, another shaft II is journaled transversely in the rails 4 closely adjacent the discharge end of the conveyer I. A combined control gate and bridge I2 is fixed at an intermediate point on the shaft I I for operation between the rails 4. Arms I3 and I4 are fixed on one end portion of the shaft I I. A footoperated bar I5 depends from the arm I4 and is provided with a pedal or the like I6 on its lower end. A coil spring I1 is connected to the bar I5 for swinging the gate I2 downwardly to open posuitable keeper I8 on the adjacent upright I9 of the conveyer structure for releasably securing the gate I2 in closed position against the tension of the spring I'I. A rod 20 connects the arm III to the -arm I3 for actuating the cam 9 in unison Figure 3 is a perspective view of the means for controlling the discharge of the cans from the conveyer,

Figure 4 is a detail view in perspective of the cam-operated shoe for raising and lowering the conveyer chain.

Figure 5 is 'a view in vertical section through the retort crate or basket.

track 22 and operable thereon to and from the rewiththe gate I2.

A perforated crate or basket 2| is provided for receiving the cans from the conveyer I. The crate l 2I is suspended from a conventional overhead tort. The basket 2| includes a cylindrical, perforated body 23 havingr mounted on its upper portion diametrically opposite. outwardly offset ears or the like 24 to'which a suspension bail or handle 6 5 25 is pivotally connected. Rings 26 and 21 en- 23 of the basket or crate 2|. The lower ring 21 is provided with an internal ange 28. The flange 23 constitutes a support for the perforated, vertically movable bottom 29 of the crate 2|.

When in position to bev loaded from the conveyer I, the crate 2| is located above a'hydraulic lift 30. 4The lift 3U includes a verticalcylinder 3| for the reception of fluid. A piston 32 is operable in the cylinder 3|. The piston 32 is mounted 'on the lower end of a rod or plunger 33 which is operable through the upper end'of the cylinder 3| A .head 34 on the upper end of the rod 33 is engageable beneath the crate bottom 29 for raising and lowering said bottom and, as shown in Fig. 1, has a top surface inclined with reference to the axis of the crate whereby to tilt slightly respecting thecrate axis, the false bottom resting upon such head. l l' A reservoir 35 contains a suitable fluid for separating the piston 32 within the cylindery 3|. A pump 36 delivers uid under pressure to the cylinder 3| from the reservoir 35 through a line 31.

A check valve 38 prevents return flow of the fluid to the pump 36. An electric motor-39drives the pump 36, said motor being controlled by a switch 40. The i'luid returns to the reservoir 35 around the check valve 38 andthe pump 36 through a line 4| which is controlled by a valve 42. By this mechanism the vertically adjustable bottom 29 of the crate 2| may be elevated to any desired position.

Describing the operation of the apparatus, the crate 2| is positioned atthe discharge end of the conveyer over the lift 30. The electric motor 39 is then energized for driving the pump 36, thus forcing fluid from the reservoir 35 into the lower portion of the cylinder 3| for elevatingthe members 32, 33 and 34.. In this manner the bottom 29 of the basket 2| is raised to a position where its higher side is substantially ush with the conveyer. Due to its inclination, the false bottom is slightly below the rim of the basket on its lower side, whereby the rim connes the cans except at the high side of the false bottom, where transfer over the rim occurs. With the gate I2 in lowered or horizontal position, the cans 2 move thereover from the conveyer onto the elevated bottom 29 of the crate 2|. A ring or band 43 projects horizontally from the side rails 3 atthe discharge end of the conveyor for confining the cans and assisting in positioning said cans above the crate.

The cans 'advanced along rails 4 by the frictional engagement with them of endlesschain 5 rst collect on the bridge or gate I2 which forms a scui plate between the end of chain 5 andelevated bottom 29. These cans on the seuil' plate are then pushed along onto elevated bottom 29 by the pressure ofthe cans behind them which are propelled forward continuously by chain 5. The cans are pushed over the surface of elevated bottom 29, some of them being squeezed out-v wardly or laterally on both sides of the center line.

of conveyer by the cammng action of cans ahead combined with the forward push of cans behind. That is to say, the cans flow out of the end of conveyor in an expanding or widening stream until the entire, and relatively expansive, area of elevated bottom 29 is filled with cans in random arrangement.

When the bottom 29 of the crate 2| has thus been loaded with the first layer of cans, said bottom is lowered through the medium of the lift 30 a distance substantially equalto the height of said cans. A horizontal partition or'plate 44 is then circle the upper and lower portions of the body y placed on the layer of loaded cans for receiving the next layer. 'I'his operation is repeated until the crate 2| is fully loaded. The piston 32 of lift 30 is then lowered to its lowermost position out of engagement with the bottom 29 and the crate 2| is then vmoved along the overhead rail 22 to the y cooking retort.

While the piston 32 is being lowered preparatory to receiving the succeeding layer of cans, also while the crate 2| is away from the conveyer the gate |2 is swung upwardly to closed position .for positively arresting the discharge of the cans from said conveyer. This is accomplished by forcing the rod |5 downwardly against the tension of the spring |1 and engaging the pedal I6 beneath the keeper I8., When this occurs the cam 9 is rotated in a direction to lower the shoe l. Thus, this portion of the chain 5 is dropped below the bottom rails 4 and the cans come to rest on said rails. However, the cans may continue to accumulate on this section of the conveyer, but they are positively prevented from being-discharged therefrom by the upstanding gate I2. When the crate 2| is again ready to receive the cans, the gate |2 is returned to its horizontal position to function as a bridge and the lifting of shoe 1 raises theadjacent portion of the endless chain 5 to engage and move the cans.

It will be noted that the head plate 34 of the elevating mechanism 3D inclines away from the conveyer so that, although both the top of the c'rate and the surface of the elevated bottom disk 29 are supported in substantially horizontal position and substantially at the level of the conveyer, the surface ofdisk 29 and the upper rim of the crate are tilted slightly with respect to one ananother. Hence the circular rim of the crate side walls extends somewhat above the surface of disk 29 and functions as a guide and retainer for the cans, permitting the ring or bar 43 to be dispensed with, if desired.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 'l of the drawing, the crate or basket 2| is dispensed with and the conveyer is installed to load the cans directly into a cooking retort 45. To this end,

the hydraudic lift 30 is mounted beneath the retort 45 and the rod 33 is operable in said retort through the bottom thereof. The first layer of cans is loaded directly on th'e disk or head 46 on the upper end of the lift rod 33. Any suitable means may.. be provided for conveying the cans away from the retort 45 after the cooking operation. The operation of this embodiment of the invention is substantially similar to that of the apparatus shownpin Figures 1 to 6, inclusive, of the drawing with the above-noted exception that the cans are loaded'directly into the retort. In both embodiments of the invention, the hoist may be used to elevate the false bottom of the crate or retort and the processed cans thereon in successive steps for the unloading ofthe successive layers of cans over the rim of the receptacle.

Itis believed that the many advantages of a crate loader constructed in accordance with the present invention will be readily understood, and although preferred embodiments of the apparatus are as illustrated and described, it is to be lunderstood that further modifications and changes in the details of construction may be 1. Can loading apparatus comprising the com-v bination with a guideway having a delivery end.

of a can advancing conveyor operating along the gudeway and including a delivery portion mo"- able to and from can propelling position, mechanism for moving said conveyor portion to and from such position, a gate pivoted with respect to said guideway and movable between a first position in which it serves as a discharge platform therefrom. and a second position in which it is elevated to positively obstruct can movement from said guideway, and a common operating means for said gate and said mechanism comprising connections for elevating said gate to can obstructing position and retracting said conveyor portion from can propelling position.

2. Can handling apparatus including a conveyor for cans, a crate conveyor comprising a hook for the support of `a crate and means upon which the hook is movable, a crate having a bail suspended from said hook and a false bottom movable vertically within the crate, a hoist including ram means cngageable with said false bottom while said crate is suspended, power means for elevating said ram. means, said power means including control means for regulating the elevating and lowering of said ram means, whereby said false bottom is movable upwardly by power and downwardly under regulation by said control means within the crate.

3. The combination with a first conveyor having a work transporting surface and a table constituting an extension of such surface, of a sec-V ond conveyor means leading to and from said table, a receptacle supported on said second conveyor means for movement to and from said table, said receptable having a rim, -a plurality of loose false bottoms adapted to support work and to be spaced by interposed work and successively movable with supported work vertically within the receptacle to a position as high as the rim for the discharge of work thereover, and a ram disposed in a position xed respecting said table and beneath the position of said receptacle when the receptacle is moved on said second conveyor means into proximity to said table, said ram being engageable with the lowermost( false bottom and provided with power operated means for the elevation thereof independently of the receptacle, said power operated means having a control whereby the operation thereof may be controlled to regulate the elevation of the ram and false bottoms in successive steps to bring each in-turn to the level of said rim.

4. The combination of a cooking retort having heating means and a cover and rim, a plurality of loose false bottoms' adapted to support work and to be spaced by interposed work and successivelyv movable with supported work vertically within the receptacle to a position as high as the rim for the discharge of work thereover, and a ram beneath the receptacle engageable with the lowermost false bottom and provided with power operated means for the elevation thereof independently of the receptacle, said power operated means having a control whereby the operation thereof may be controlled to regulate-the elevation of the ram and false bottoms in successive steps to bring each in turn to the level of said rim.

5. In combination, a can receiving crate having a rim, a false bottom vertically movable within the crate, a carriage upon whichthe crate is mounted for bodily movement, an elevator ram positioned to engage said false bottom in one position of the carriage and crate, a can support adjacent the rim of the crate when the crate is in said position, power means for elevating said ram to raise said bottom to the level of said rim and support, and raising and lowering controls for said power means and ram, said ramhaving a heal upon which said false bottom is tilted respecting said crate, the rim of said crate in said position being higher than the false bottom at y the side thereof remote from said support when said bottom is in registry with the support for can delivery between the table and said bottom;

CUR'I'IS T. BUSSE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 496,221 Gibon f Apr. 25, 1893 561,921 Sutthoi June 9, 1896 714,875 Doble Dec. 2, 1902 768,104 Wieda Aug. 23, 1904 966,872 Tlesse Aug. 9, 1910 1,023,343 -Tremaine Apr. 16, 1912 v 1,208,802 Lienau et al. Dec. A19, 1916 1,208,803 Lienau et al. Dec. 19, 1916 1,247,722 Rogers et al Nov. 27, 1917 1,289,208 Lents Dec. 31, 1918 1,789,773 Rasch Jan. 20, 1931 1,861,963 Jennings June 7, 1932 1,904,720 Douglass Apr. 18, 1933 1,941,899 Jennings Jan. 2, 1934 2,313,478 Neja 1---- Mar. 9, 1943 2,387,452 Lundal et al. Oct. 23, 1945 2,045,292 Carey June 23, 1936 Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,506,661

May 9, 1950 CURTIS T. BUSSE It is hereby certified that errors appear in the printed speeieation of the above numbered patent requiring Column 3, lines 20 and 21, for the Word line 24, for heal read head; line 29, for and that the said Signed and sealed this 12th day table Letters Patent should be read the same may conform to the record of the ease in of September, A.

correction as follows:

separating read operating;

read support;

with these corrections therein that the Patent Office.

column 6,

THOMAS F. MURPHY, 

